When the World Turned Doodly: My Week of Unexpected Inspirations

Last week’s doodling journey took a fun twist♥♥ — it’s like everywhere I look, the world is showing me doodles! It feels as if now that I’ve chosen this as my learning project, my eyes have started catching every line, swirl, and scribble that I earlier missed.

Activities Last Week

After deciding to learn doodling, I’ve been paying attention to how doodles are used in everyday design — from packaging to apps to traditional art forms. This week, I didn’t just draw; I observed doodles in action all around me.

It all started with a trip to McDonald’s. I was missing my favorite McVeggie Burger — it’s a vegetarian burger we get in India, but not here in Canada (still hurts, honestly!). When I visited a McDonald’s here recently, the paper bag caught my attention — it had doodle art all over it! I forgot about the missing burger for a second because my eyes were glued to the artwork. The playful sketches, random objects, and curvy lines made me realize how much doodling has entered modern branding and marketing.

That little discovery gave me my next idea — to recreate a doodle inspired by the McDonald’s bag. I’m planning to try it my next drawing project!

McDonald’s Paper Bag (I ate last week)

Doodles Hidden in Everyday Apps

Then came another “aha” moment — when I opened WhatsApp. I’ve been using it for more than a decade, but I only just realized that its default chat wallpaper is filled with doodles! Planets, chat bubbles, clocks, emojis — all scattered around like mini artworks. I laughed at myself — how did I never notice this before? Maybe I didn’t have a doodler’s eye back then. Now, even a simple wallpaper feels like inspiration.

Whatsapp Chat Background
               Whatsapp Chat Background

Doodling in Tradition: The Beauty of Henna

And since this week is special — we Indian married women are preparing for Karwa Chauth — my feed is full of mehndi (henna) designs. While scrolling through Instagram, saving my favorite patterns, it struck me: henna designs are doodles too! The repetitive lines, floral curves, mandalas, and symmetry — they all fit perfectly into the doodle family. I couldn’t help but see the artistic overlap.

This made me appreciate how doodling isn’t limited to notebooks; it’s part of our cultural and artistic expressions too. What’s even better? These traditional designs can inspire modern doodle patterns. I’m planning to try merging both styles in a future post!

          My last Year (2025) Karwachauth Henna
Mehandi design | FOLLOW ME
         Design from an Instagram Post

Online Inspiration & Learning

This week, I continued exploring doodling tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest.

  • I really liked a channel called “Doodle With Me” — it breaks down doodle art into simple steps. The only thing I found challenging was the video speed; I had to pause often to follow along.

  • Pinterest, on the other hand, is my new obsession! It’s filled with easy ideas like “doodle borders” and “tiny doodle icons,” which I’m planning to use for my next practice sheet.

  • During my first doodle art I really struggled with the type of pens I need to do the finest work. I ended up getting the thick nib which did not give me what I was actually looking for. Thanks to YouTube, I found the following video that helped me to find the exact tools for doodling. However, this video tells about Mandala Art, nevertheless, Mandala is also king of doodling. So yes! it works for me.

 

Both platforms are helping me not only learn how to doodle but also notice where doodles live around me.

Reflection: Seeing the World Through Doodle Eyes

If second week was about learning doodling’s history, last week was about realizing how present it is in our daily lives. From food packaging to phone apps to cultural traditions — doodles are literally everywhere!

It feels funny to admit, but my eyes only “get doodled” now — I see patterns where I never did before. And that’s the beauty of learning something new; it changes how you see the world.

Next Steps

  • Recreate my version of the McDonald’s doodle bag art.

  • Try combining henna-inspired patterns into my doodle pages.

  • Keep exploring Pinterest boards and YouTube for more easy beginner designs.

This week wasn’t just about drawing; it was about observing art in the ordinary.
And honestly, that’s what makes doodling magical — it’s hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone to notice.

Stay tuned! My next post will include my first attempt at mixing modern doodles with traditional Indian mehndi patterns — let’s see how that goes!

From Caves to Canvases: The First Step in My Doodle Journey

I’ve officially begun my doodling journey, and as excited as I am to pick up my pen, I felt the urge to dive into where it all began. The deeper I read, the more I realized: doodling isn’t just idle scribbling — it’s something deeply etched into human history, from ancient caves to modern canvases.

The Roots of Doodling: More Than Just Scribbles

While scrolling through articles and resources I came across a blog post and I was truly amazed to learn that doodling dates back to prehistoric times. Cave walls weren’t just for hunting scenes — they also carried scratches, shapes, and patterns that looked a lot like the spontaneous marks we still make today.

Later, I stumbled on the fact that medieval monks, while copying manuscripts, often filled the margins with strange little creatures, faces, and playful drawings. These “marginalia” were essentially the doodles of their time — proof that even in the most serious of settings, humans couldn’t resist the urge to draw while their minds wandered.

And of course, I read how artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo sketched freely in notebooks. (Oh my God! Look at his drawing, I must say, he was surely a great artist.) What started as loose scribbles sometimes became the seeds of their masterpieces. That discovery enlightened me — doodling has always been both a playground for creativity and a window into our thoughts.

But then I came across something interestingGoogle defines doodling as “absent-minded drawing.” Honestly, I don’t buy that. When I look at some of the fantastic doodle artworks out there (I’ll be sharing a few here), they are far from “mindless.” The level of detail, rhythm, and creativity involved feels almost genius. Yes, doodles may start as simple lines, but they can grow into masterpieces.

 

Doodling Through the Ages: From Psychedelia to Pop Culture

Fast forward to the 20th century, and doodling found new homes. It morphed into cartoons, comic strips, and even psychedelic art movements. Reading about this made me realize that doodles were no longer confined to margins; they had jumped onto posters, canvases, and entire cultural movements.

This transition — from cave walls to Renaissance sketches, from notebook scribbles to trippy poster art — showed me how doodling has constantly evolved, but never lost its essence: simple lines carrying complex meaning.

Modern Inspiration: The Doodle Boy

In one of my rabbit-hole dives online, I came across the story of Joe Whale, better known as “The Doodle Boy.” He started off doodling in school, often getting in trouble for filling his books with drawings. Today, his doodles decorate actual restaurant walls in England, and he’s inspiring young artists everywhere.

When I watched his story, it struck me: doodling isn’t just a pastime; it can grow into something much bigger if you nurture it. I’ve embedded the video here for you to see his journey too:

👉 Watch “The Doodle Boy” on YouTube

My First Step: Putting Pen to Paper 

Of course, reading about history and modern doodle legends wouldn’t mean much if I didn’t start myself. So for this post, I picked up my pen, let my thoughts wander, and thought to do something related to Halloween since its coming soon. Here is one doodle art I picked up from Pintrest and below is my work :D.

                                My Work

It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine — the first page of my doodle journey. Sharing it here feels like putting a flag down at the beginning of a long creative path. It was not easy I must admit. The first challenge for me was the TOOLS!! I have to buy pens with sharp nib or if any other are available in the market.

What’s Next?

This is only the beginning. My goal is to keep experimenting, learning from online platforms, and seeing where doodling takes me. From quirky characters to structured patterns, I want to explore all sides of this art form and yes, buy some pens first….. 

So stay tuned — the journey continues!


From caves to canvases, margins to murals, doodling has always been with us. Now, I get to add my own little mark to that history.

“Disconnect to Reconnect: How Cellphone Bans Affect Students”

Banning the Buzz: Saskatchewan’s Classroom Policy

So, I read about this the other day during my last class—at the start of the 2024–25 school year, Saskatchewan decided to ban cellphones during class for all K–12 schools. The idea is to reduce distractions and help students focus more. Apparently, this is in line with what Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba are doing too. I can see why they made the move, but naturally, it has sparked a lot of debate about whether it’s really helpful or maybe a bit too strict for teachers, students, and parents.

The Upside: Focus, Engagement, and Social Connection

From what I’ve read and seen, teachers and administrators often struggle to keep students engaged when phones are always in their pockets. Limiting phone use can actually make a big difference—students pay more attention, participate in class, and even talk to each other more.

I came across reports from Ontario and Manitoba showing that after a year of bans, students were more interactive, less distracted, and classrooms felt livelier. Some teachers even noticed students playing board games or just chatting instead of staring at screens. And interestingly, some students themselves said that being phone-free helped them break the habit of constantly checking social media.

Watch the video about Ontario’s cellphone ban: “Four months into Ontario’s ban on cellphones in classrooms, many teachers say students have accepted the change and are more focused, but it’s too early to say if there’s been an impact on performance.”

Canadian Parents’ Reactions

I also found some interesting reactions from Canadian parents on a Facebook page where the question asked was:
“To parents with kids in the middle grades, how do you feel about the recent provincial cell phone ban in schools?”

Here’s what some of them replied:

  • Marc Fiola: “They don’t need a phone in school, we didn’t have one and survived and turned out ok 🤷‍♂️ Got our messages from our parents from the secretary like it should be, and most of the time our parents only called the school when it was absolutely necessary.”

  • Melissa Assilem: “Is it no phones, or no phones like. On the person? I imagine in a backpack on silent or off til after school would be ok. I’m ok with it, kids aren’t there to play on their phones.”

  • Derek Stein: “Meh, but would like him to keep a phone in his backpack for after school to coordinate pickups! Seems like that wouldn’t be allowed with this new rule …”

These comments really highlight how parents see both the benefits of reducing distractions and the practical challenges of staying connected outside school hours.

The Downside: Digital Dependence and Student Stress

But here’s the catch—phones are addictive. I read a story from Calgary where a student completely freaked out when his phone was taken away, asking everyone around him to borrow theirs just so he could check Instagram. As well, I came across a video that delves into how excessive cellphone use can impact students’ focus and academic performance. In the video, an experiment demonstrates the negative effects of constant texting on students’ ability to concentrate. This highlights the addictive nature of smartphones and the challenges educators face in maintaining student attention.

This video underscores how deeply Gen Z is tied to technology. Take phones away too suddenly, and you might see anxiety, frustration, or even rebellious behavior.

Lessons from My Classroom: India’s Phone Struggles

I don’t have experience teaching in Canadian schools, but from my six years teaching grades 9–12 in India, I can tell you phones are a major distraction no matter where you are. Even when phones were banned, students found ways to sneak them in and hide them. And it got worse—some students started recording videos of teachers in class, making funny or mocking clips, and posting them on social media. Can you imagine that? This shows how much misuse is possible and why strict rules can sometimes feel necessary. Our school had to implement regular checks and frisking to make sure students weren’t breaking the rules.

Global Perspective: Nepal’s Social Media Ban and Gen Z Reactions

I also watched the news about what happened in Nepal, and it really caught my attention. The government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. The reaction was huge—nationwide protests led mostly by Gen Z erupted, and there were violent clashes in major cities. It really shows how integral technology and social media are to young people today. “This made me think—if removing access to social media entirely can trigger such a strong reaction among Gen Z in Nepal, what might happen when we limit phone use in schools? It highlights how deeply connected young people are to their devices, and how abrupt restrictions, even for good reasons, can be stressful.” Take it away abruptly, and it’s not just inconvenient—it can be psychologically stressful and even spark public unrest.

Finding the Balance: Guiding Gen Z Toward Healthy Tech Use

All this makes me think Saskatchewan’s ban is a tricky balancing act. On one hand, it’s great for focus and classroom engagement. On the other, students who are deeply attached to their phones can feel stressed or anxious. From what I’ve read about Canada, most students adapt over time, but some need guidance to manage their digital dependence. The key, I think, is flexibility: allow phones for medical needs or learning purposes, but keep them out of general classroom use. That way, students can stay focused, interact socially, and still maintain a healthy relationship with technology.

Scribbles With a Purpose: My Learning Project on Doodling

Hey friends, Welcome to my space! For my major learning project, I had to choose something to learn using online platforms. After thinking about all the interests that I have or had (and honestly, a little daydreaming), I knew exactly what I wanted to dive into and it’s DOODLING!!.


My Love Affair with Drawing (and Why Painting Failed Me)

I’ve always been that kid who loved drawing. School competitions? Count me in.  Sometimes I won, sometimes I lost, but my love for drawing never faded away. But here’s the funny part: painting and I were never best friends. I tried… oh, I tried. But the brush and I never clicked. It was time when I used to consider drawing means painting as well!

From Cells to Cycles: Drawing My Way Through Science

As I got older, my drawing shifted into something super practical. My notebooks and lab practical files were full of biology diagrams (heart, plant cell, animal cell), chemistry lab apparatus, water cycles… you name it. I poured my heart into them, not just because I had to, but because drawing genuinely made me happy.

Teacher Mode: Turning Chalkboards Into Canvases

When I became a teacher, my drawing didn’t disappear. In fact, it became part of my lessons! Instead of just talking, I drew simple, relatable sketches on the board. And guess what? My students loved it! Their smiles and excitement pushed me to keep using drawing as a teaching tool.

And let’s not forget the start of new school years — decorating classrooms and the main school boards. It used to be overwhelming though, but to be honest, I secretly loved those tasks because they gave me another reason to draw.

2023: My First Taste of Doodling 

   My First Ever DOODLE Art

In 2023, while making a school board, I unknowingly entered the world of doodling. At first, I thought it was just drawing. Later, after searching on Google Images, I realized—nope, doodling is a whole art form on its own! I instantly fell in love♥♥. It felt playful, creative, and a little addictive.

Fast Forward to 2025: Doodling With a Purpose

      My Second Attempt

Life got busy, and doodling took a back seat. But last month, something magical happened. At my workplace, I doodled again with one of the kids who is autistic and loves doodling. It was such a wholesome, refreshing experience that reminded me how much I’ve missed it.

So when this course gave me the chance to pick a project, my heart screamed: Doodling!

My Big DΘΘdle Goals

Here’s what I want to do with this project:

  • Dive into doodling tutorials online (probably YouTube, Pinterest, blogs).

  • I might explore different styles — mandalas, lettering, tiny sketches.

  • Practice consistently and see my progress over time.

  • Reflect on doodling as both my personal stress-buster and professional secret weapon.

Why I’m Excited

I believe, doodling is more than just “random scribbles.” It’s a mix of art, learning, and fun. It’s something that connects me to my childhood love for drawing, my teaching style, and even my present learning journey.

So this is me, taking the leap into the doodle world. Stay tuned—my notebooks, margins, and maybe even my walls (Just Joking!! :D), might soon be filled with patterns, swirls, and little drawings that (hopefully!) tell a bigger story.

Refined my Writing with AI's help, idea's are purely mine.

Scrolling Through Life: My Story with Social Media

👋 Welcome to my blog!
In this post, I want to share my journey with social media—how it all started for me as a curious teenager, how it has shaped both my personal and professional life, and how I continue to grow with it as an educator and learner.

My First Encounters with Social Media

My relationship with social media began in 2007 or 2008 when I was in the 10th grade. My first platform was Orkut, and with slow 2G internet, I was a curious and naïve teenager. I remember the excitement of connecting with people from other states—it felt like a healthy kind of “stalking” that was simply fun at that age.                                              Google Shuts Down its Orkut Social Network

Hands with cartoon like icon

Soon after, Facebook took over, offering more privacy and features. Orkut eventually shut down, but Facebook stayed. To this day, many of my school friends—people I studied with almost 20 years ago—are still connected with me there. Social media not only gave me friendships that lasted but also raised awareness about the wider world.

Personal Milestones Through Social Media

Long Distance Relationship Images – Browse 8,189 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video | Adobe StockSome of my most personal memories are tied to social media. I used Skype for the very first time to connect with my better half, who was in Australia back then and I was India. Despite the slow connection and blurry calls, seeing each other online during our courtship days felt magical♥♥.

Later, during my master’s, I discovered the power of Google Search. I had been unaware of its potential until I began using it for my chemistry research projects. Over time, new apps entered my life—WhatsApp with its regular updates, Instagram, and Snapchat—each one marking a phase of my life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media and online platforms became even more meaningful. As a teacher, I relied on Zoom to stay connected with my students. How can I forget to mention about YouTube, it has been a life saviour for me during pandemic- I learned a lot of different cuisines while staying at home, sending interesting educational videos to my students. I surfed tools like Kahoot and Liveworksheets to make online learning engaging. Also, when I was preparing for coming to Canada; to know about UoR and Regina city, I explored so much using YouTube.  As well, shopping online become very handy for me, I am not such a shopaholic and does not like to go out much for shopping, so started shopping via Myntra, Amazon etc. (A big sigh of relief!!). Now, while pursuing my M.Ed, I use ©anva to design creative presentations.

Another highlight of my M.Ed journey was this January, when I learned about blogging for the very first time with Doctor Katia in one of my courses. It was a completely new and exciting experience that opened my eyes to expressing ideas in a digital space. I also explored H5P, an interactive tool that can make classes highly engaging. Discovering these new tools has deepened my appreciation of how social media and online education can work hand in hand.

Positive Impacts of Social Media

On My Personal Life

Social media has helped me stay connected to my family and friends across the world. At present, I live in Canada while my parents are in India, yet WhatsApp video calls make the distance feel smaller. Social apps have also made daily life easier, from sharing memories instantly to transferring money in emergencies.

On My Professional Life

Professionally, I feel grateful to be a teacher in the era of social media. It has expanded my potential, making it easier to communicate with students outside the classroom. During online learning, it gave me tools to teach creatively and keep students engaged. Even now, platforms like Canva, blogging, and H5P continue to add value to my teaching practice.

Negative Impacts of Social Media

Despite its many benefits, I have to admit that social media can be addictive for me. Whenever I have free time, my instinct is to open Instagram or Facebook and scroll endlessly. I have made resolutions to cut down, but they rarely last. I know that I could use this time more productively—to learn, to grow, or simply to rest—but my reflex often takes over. This is something I am consciously trying to work on.

Conclusion

Looking back, from Orkut days to Zoom classrooms, social media has been a constant companion in my life. It has brought me closer to loved ones, enriched my teaching, and opened doors to endless learning. At the same time, it has tested my self-discipline and often distracted me. My relationship with social media is, therefore, a mix of gratitude and caution—a journey that continues to evolve as I discover new tools like blogging and H5P.

Social Media Apps kept coming and going with new advancements and features and now it feels pivotal to learn everything to stay with the era that’s going on.  As a millennial who started out with Orkut and now embraces tools popular with Gen Z, I feel like I am walking the bridge between two generations—carrying nostalgia from the past while adapting to the innovations of the present.

Refined my writing with AI's help, ideas and experiences are purely mine.

Social Media through Neeraj's lens